Hochul outlines success of red flag laws

ALBANY — New York Governor Kathy Hochul says the expansion of red flag laws with extreme risk protection orders is working, and taking weapons away from people who pose a threat to themselves or others.

“The number of orders issued as a result of our action has grown exponentially,” said Governor Hochul. “I just want to let everyone know that in the months since the executive order and the legislation, the state has now issued nearly 2,000 orders of protection.”

She appeared in Albany with the state attorney general and acting state police superintendent.

$4.6 million are going to the attorney general’s office to back up state police in court on the extreme risk protection orders.

“We’re using these funds to hire dozens of attorneys and staff across the state who will be dedicated to representing our police and protecting them and our communities,” said NYS Attorney General Letitia James.

Crime has become a hot topic in this gubernatorial campaign as it sprints to the finish line.

Hochul’s opponent, Republican Congressman Lee Zeldin, was downstate.

“We have to get rid of catch and release,” said Zeldin. “Where was that with her press conference? Why wasn’t she talking about giving judges discretion to weigh dangerousness? Why wasn’t she talking about Raise the Age?”

Hochul says they’ve already modified parts of bail reform.

“Targeted bail changes. Did you actually know that? You probably didn’t know that. We made bail reform changes. Changes were made in the last budget, especially expanding bail eligibility for gun crimes,” said Hochul.

Republicans have been hammering Hochul on crime.

Monday, the governor said she’s been working long and hard for a while to fight gun violence and crime, and that it’s getting results.

“I’m not letting the political theater out there affect what we’ve done,” she said. “This is not a new issue for me, and I think that’s well established.”